Can Veneers Help with Bruxism?

Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding or clenching, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It often occurs unconsciously during sleep due to chronic stress and can lead to various dental issues, such as tooth sensitivity, worn-down enamel, and jaw pain. As patients seek solutions to manage bruxism, they may wonder: can veneers help with this condition? In this post, we will delve into the relationship between veneers and bruxism.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a habitual grinding or clenching of teeth that can occur during the day or night. It often stems from factors such as stress, anxiety, and misaligned teeth. It can lead to discomfort and pain, as well as severe dental issues down the road.

What Are Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. They are designed to improve the appearance of teeth by enhancing their color, shape, and size. Veneers are a popular cosmetic solution for issues like discoloration, gaps, and chipped teeth.

Veneers & Bruxism

While veneers are durable and can dramatically enhance the appearance of teeth, they are not a treatment for bruxism. Veneers are a cosmetic improvement and will not address the underlying cause of your teeth grinding or protect your jaw and uncovered teeth from damage. In fact, untreated bruxism can chip and crack your veneers! However, veneers can restore the length, shape, and symmetry of teeth that have been negatively affected by bruxism.

Comprehensive Treatment Approach

A comprehensive approach is necessary to effectively manage bruxism. This typically involves addressing the underlying cause of bruxism by using appliances like durable custom mouthguards to protect the teeth, and, if necessary, orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned teeth.

Reducing stress and protecting the teeth with a mouthguard is typically a better course of action than simply getting veneers. Something else to consider is that veneers are only placed on the front teeth, while chronic teeth clenching and grinding can greatly affect the molars.

Consult with Our Denver Dental Team!

If you suspect that you have bruxism, it is crucial to consult with our team for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations. We can assess your specific situation and provide guidance on the best course of action. We may recommend veneers, a custom nightguard, or both, depending on your unique oral health preferences and needs.

Categorized in: Cosmetic Dentistry, Oral Health